A New Middle East Requires a New Understanding.

Part 2 | Alarms on the Lebanese-Israeli Border Might be Last Wake Up Call for Western Leaders

In Part 1 of this Article, I explained and contextualized the events of September 1 on the Israeli Lebanese border. I ended the article by saying the following: "It is likely that yesterday’s short round between Israel and Hezbollah might be the last wake-up call for Western leaders. It should be clear that the potential for a severe, rapid escalation…

In Part 1 of this Article, I explained and contextualized the events of September 1 on the Israeli Lebanese border. I ended the article by saying the following: "It is likely that yesterday’s short round between Israel and Hezbollah might be the last wake-up call for Western leaders. It should be clear that the potential for a severe, rapid escalation…

Alarms on the Lebanese-Israeli Border Might be Last Wake Up Call for Western Leaders (Part 1)

This short document is being written in light of a seemingly – for now – contained, short round of violence between Israel and Hezbollah on September 1, 2019. In Part 1 of this 2-part article, I will briefly explain how and why we have reached this phase. And in Part 2 I will explain what must be done to prevent…

(A Podcast) Why Did Al Jazeera Air a Story About Turkey’s Brutal Oppression of Journalists?

On July 6, 2019, Qatari-owned Al Jazeera aired the first of a three-part show called "Media haven or hell? The paradox of journalism in Turkey" highlighting Turkey's brutal oppression of treatment of Turkish journalists and thinkers. This podcast explores Qatar's reasons and illustrates the point that everything in the Middle East is linked. And if you understand the links in…

Belly Dancing In Baghdad

Iran wants to gain control of the area from Iran to the Mediterranean Sea. The way they are attempting to do that is through flooding the area with militants and missiles. Controlling Iraq is critical to that end.

A Symbolic Day for the The Muslim Brotherhood

Symbolically, on the same day – June 17th 2019, as Egypt and the Muslim Brotherhood said goodbye to Mohammad Morsi - a "Castle Guardian,” Abdul Majid al-Zuneibat, the leader of the Muslim Brotherhood reform camp in Jordan presented the platform of the Reform camp: tolerance, political flexibility, and commitment to Jordan's sovereignty and independence. That profound change does not mean…

A Significant Nomination in Iraq

Will Iran increase and perhaps escalate their attacks on U.S. assets in Iraq? Or does the Iranian compromise signal that they are interested in calming tensions with the US and that they will stop using their proxies in Iraq to provoke the U.S?

Critical Day in the Arab (Persian) Gulf – June 20th, 2019

Information: On June 20th Iran shot down an advanced US military drone over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran argues the drone infiltrated Iranian territory. The US denies the drone was in Iranian airspace. Reportedly, U.S. Central Command spokesperson, Navy Captain Bill Urban said, “This was an unprovoked attack on a U.S. surveillance asset in international airspace.” Analysis: Over the past…

Highly Flammable Situation in Gaza

Following the shooting of a long-range rocket from the Gaza Strip targeting the center of Israel, on Monday, March 25th, Israel attack military positions of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s retaliation sparked 36 hours of exchange of fire between the sides. As of March 28th, the hostilities have ceased. Yet it is Important to…

Poland Summit Strives for Stability in the Middle East

FEBRUARY 12, 2019 Poland Summit Strives for Stability in the Middle East (as published in The Atlantic Council IranSource) BY AVI MELAMED US and Poland flags (US State Department) The Trump administration accurately identified the Iranian threat and has, on some significant issues, acted accordingly—including the US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and the application of…